On Friday, April 12, a new social media app called AirChat was launched and quickly became the 23rd most popular app in the U.S. on Apple’s App Store by Monday, April 15. The app has garnered thousands of downloads and online requests for access, as it is currently available on an invite-only basis.
AirChat sets itself apart from other social media apps by focusing on voice communication, with messages being delivered through voice notes and simultaneous transcriptions. Users can post, scroll through feeds, and privately message other users on the app. The design of the app is similar to other social media platforms, but with the unique feature of voice notes that play automatically and can be paused.
The app was founded by venture capitalist Naval Ravikant and former Tinder product chief Brian Norgard. AirChat aims to differentiate itself from other social media apps by emphasizing the use of natural voice for communication. Voice technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in consumers’ lives, with PYMNTS Intelligence reporting that voice is the next interface set to revolutionize how we interact with technology. According to their research, 58% of consumers find using voice easier and more convenient, while 54% appreciate its faster speed compared to typing or using a touchscreen.
In a recent example of voice technology integration, Volkswagen announced in January that it had incorporated OpenAI’s AI chatbot, ChatGPT, into their IDA voice assistant. This allows Volkswagen customers to access a growing AI database and have content read out to them while driving. Voice assistants have made strides in various areas such as smart home integration
